KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s rubber products industry must accelerate innovation, strengthen supply chain resilience and expand market access to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the industry must build on its manufacturing strengths while meeting growing demand for sustainability, traceability and technology-driven solutions.
“We must build on our existing strengths and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a preferred global supplier of innovative, sustainable and high-quality rubber products. This is essential to securing the long-term growth and resilience of our industry,” she said at the inaugural Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) Industry Leadership & Networking Dinner recently.
Dr Noraini outlined three key priorities for the industry. These include accelerating innovation, automation and digital transformation, strengthening sustainable and resilient supply chains, and expanding market access for Malaysian rubber products.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing a conducive policy and regulatory environment while continuing to engage closely with industry to understand operational challenges and develop practical solutions.
Dr Noraini also welcomed MRC’s commitment to eliminating forced labour in the Malaysian rubber industry as part of its collaboration with the International Labour Organization.
She urged industry players to support responsible labour practices and actively participate in MRC’s social compliance initiatives.
The event also saw MRC exchange five memoranda with its strategic partners to accelerate innovation, support the commercialisation of new technologies and develop higher-value rubber products.
Dr Noraini also presented the MRC Scholarship Awards and congratulated the recipients.
The inaugural dinner brought together key industry stakeholders, providing a platform for government representatives, industry leaders and strategic partners to strengthen engagement and explore opportunities for closer cooperation. The event also highlighted the importance of government-industry collaboration, strategic partnerships and talent development in sup-porting the rubber products industry’s long-term growth and competitiveness.
